By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) a Non-profit Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged Nigeria to combine synthetic intelligence (AI) and machine studying into environmental administration to fight air pollution and defend ecosystems.
Its President, Dr Idowu Aneyo, made the decision on the society’s three-day worldwide convention in Lagos on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) studies that the convention’s theme was: ‘Driving Environmental Security, Innovation, and Resilience through AI, Research, Industry, and Regulation for Global Livelihoods’.
Aneyo mentioned human actions had been degrading ecosystems, making progressive applied sciences and sustainable practices important for safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening environmental resilience.
“Anthropogenic activities have impacted our ecosystems, and our daily activities continue to contribute to their degradation.
“We must arise and reclaim our ecosystems because this is our only home, and we have a responsibility to protect it.
“This is why SETPOM is bringing together stakeholders from academia and industry to promote ecosystem sustainability,” she mentioned.
Aneyo, a lecturer within the Department of Zoology on the University of Lagos (UNILAG), mentioned AI and machine studying may enhance environmental monitoring, predict ecological disruptions and assist well timed interventions.
“By harnessing machine learning algorithms, we can analyse vast amounts of environmental data, identify patterns and predict potential ecological disruptions before they occur.
“This proactive approach will help minimise damage to fragile ecosystems and promote sustainability through informed decision-making and resource management,” she added.
She pressured that efficient environmental safety required public cooperation alongside authorities laws.
“There are regulations, especially in Lagos State, and the government is trying to enforce them. It is we humans who need to accept the change,” she mentioned.
Also, an environmental activist, Dr Desmond Majekodunmi, warned that rising sea ranges and local weather change may threaten components of Lagos by 2050.
Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Lekki State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), attributed worsening environmental degradation to greenhouse fuel emissions, deforestation, air pollution and biodiversity loss.
He warned that continued emissions may intensify flooding, coastal erosion and excessive climate, threatening communities, infrastructure and establishments, together with UNILAG.
He recognized industrial actions, fossil gas consumption, mining, deforestation, agricultural practices, waste disposal and transportation as main contributors to international warming.
Majekodunmi known as for collective motion by people, industries, establishments and governments to deal with the local weather disaster.
He cautioned that prioritising revenue over individuals and the atmosphere may endanger future generations.
“The earth remains uniquely habitable because of its atmosphere, but human activities are increasingly threatening the natural systems that sustain life,” he mentioned.
He, nonetheless, expressed optimism that renewable vitality, recycling, improved waste administration, scientific analysis and efficient regulation may assist handle the disaster.
Majekodunmi recognized photo voltaic, wind and water-based vitality as cleaner options requiring higher funding and dedication.
He added that African international locations, together with Nigeria, may avert catastrophic environmental penalties by means of well timed motion and sustainable practices.
In his remarks, Prof. Ganiu Oyechibo, Dean of Faculty of Life Sciences, UNILAG, mentioned human actions had severely broken pure assets and disrupted ecological stability.
Oyechibo, a professor of Geo-Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, mentioned the convention provided a chance to look at the injury and develop sensible options.
“We have abused nature and carelessly exploited its resources instead of preserving them for future generations. The extent of the damage is close to complete destruction.
“The first step is to identify the problem. Once we understand the damage, we can begin to develop solutions,” he mentioned.
The convention additionally featured a inexperienced essay competitors for junior and senior secondary faculty college students.
In the junior class, Oyenike Adeyemi of Methodist Girls High School emerged winner, whereas Faridah Moshood of Daltha High School got here second and Fathia Zubair of Nurul-Islam Comprehensive High School positioned third.
In the senior class, Atoyebi Halimat of Dowen College gained, adopted by Adewumi Princess of Methodist Girls High School and Kamal Adabale of Crescent High School. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
